P03-18 A Review of Sporting Role Model Led Interventions Promoting Physical Activity in Youth

Abstract Background Among adolescents there is a notable decline in physical activity (PA) levels from childhood, more notable among females than males. Visibility is regularly a cornerstone of strategy to promote engagement with women's sport particularly around stimulating and sustaining female participation in sport and PA. This includes leveraging sporting role models (SRM) to develop participation in sport and PA. The purpose of this research is to locate and describe the features and impact of SRM led interventions on female participation in sport and PA. Methods APA PsychInfo, PudMed, and Sport Discus databases was used to identify SRM led interventions. In sum, 7,169 papers were identified with 360 duplicates. A further 5,122 were removed from title screen, 1,666 from abstract screening, 21 from full text review with two studies included in the final review. Results Two SRM led interventions were included in the final review and were deemed as ‘fair' quality using Black and Downs Checklist. The first study1 aimed to improve attendance in PE, behaviour and attitude towards PA through a 12-week school based intervention. Schools were funded to complete a novel sport rolled out by teachers (group 1), with a second group having an additional visit from an elite ‘athlete mentor' (group 2). The study found 98% of students enjoyed the athlete visits and found them beneficial however there was no additional impact on PE attendance and attitudes to PA linked to athlete visits. The second study2 involved school students visiting a local professional football club and meeting professional football players through video messages and letters over a four-month school period. The intervention group showed a significant increase in self-efficacy towards PA compared to the control group. Conclusion There is limited, if any, evidence to support SRM led interventions to promote participation in sport or PA. Studies considered in this review are poorly designed and evaluated and lack theoretical frameworks. There is scope to undertake a broader review of grey literature due to the scarcity of published evidence despite anecdotal support and implementation of SRM interventions throughout the sport sector.


Background
Among adolescents there is a notable decline in physical activity (PA) levels from childhood, more notable among females than males. Visibility is regularly a cornerstone of strategy to promote engagement with women's sport particularly around stimulating and sustaining female participation in sport and PA. This includes leveraging sporting role models (SRM) to develop participation in sport and PA. The purpose of this research is to locate and describe the features and impact of SRM led interventions on female participation in sport and PA. Methods APA PsychInfo, PudMed, and Sport Discus databases was used to identify SRM led interventions. In sum, 7,169 papers were identified with 360 duplicates. A further 5,122 were removed from title screen, 1,666 from abstract screening, 21 from full text review with two studies included in the final review.

Results
Two SRM led interventions were included in the final review and were deemed as 'fair' quality using Black and Downs Checklist. The first study1 aimed to improve attendance in PE, behaviour and attitude towards PA through a 12-week school based intervention. Schools were funded to complete a novel sport rolled out by teachers (group 1), with a second group having an additional visit from an elite 'athlete mentor' (group 2). The study found 98% of students enjoyed the athlete visits and found them beneficial however there was no additional impact on PE attendance and attitudes to PA linked to athlete visits. The second study2 involved school students visiting a local professional football club and meeting professional football players through video messages and letters over a four-month school period. The intervention group showed a significant increase in self-efficacy towards PA compared to the control group.

Conclusion
There is limited, if any, evidence to support SRM led interventions to promote participation in sport or PA. Studies considered in this review are poorly designed and evaluated and lack theoretical frameworks. There is scope to undertake a broader review of grey literature due to the scarcity of published evidence despite anecdotal support and implementation of SRM interventions throughout the sport sector. Keywords: Sporting Role Models, Physical Activity, Youth

Active ageing
Abstract citation ID: ckac095.055 P04-01 Slovenian approach to healthy and active aging -Fall prevention program for elderly living at home

Issue/problem
Due to the population aging, injuries in relation to falls are a public health problem in Slovenia as well. They are expensive for the health care system, usually have serious consequences and lead to irreversible impairment of function, institutionalization and death. Description of the problem During 2019, registered nurses in community health nursing from 25 Primary Healthcare Centres participated in the MoST pilot project. They conducted a fall risk assessment of 64 years and older patients at their homes, using a Slovenian adaptation of the STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries) questionnaire. At the same time, they also performed an assessment of muscle strength, gait and balance with a timed framed Stand up and go test. Afterwards patients were classified into 3 groups (low, medium, and high risk of falls) and were treated according to the Algorithm for the assessment of the risk of falls for the elderly and prevention measures. Results (effects/changes) 6815 fall risk assessments were conducted (results are preliminary). More details will be presented at the HEPA conference as the data is still being processed. Based on the expected population distribution, mobility and nutrition treatment, home safety counselling and a multifactorial risk assessment during the development phase of the project were planned. The interventions were performed at integrated Health Promotion Centres in Primary Healthcare Centres and at the homes of the elderly. Lessons The risk assessment method described earlier should be carried out at the home of an elderly person. The most effective interventions were multicomponent measures or prevention programs with ever-present physical exercise program. Focused physical activity aiming at improving strength and balance not only reduces the frequency of falls, but also the frequency and severity of injuries in the event of a fall.